160+ uncommon Xhosa names for boys and girls with meaning

Xhosa is an ethnic group living primarily in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. They speak isiXhosa, a Nguni language, which is one of the official languages of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The community has many names for new parents. Discover some uncommon Xhosa names and their meaning today.

Did you know most Xhosa names are taken from all forms of oral literature and are known as proverbial names? Traditionally, elders would name their children using phrases from oral expressions, which helped preserve societal norms and values.

Uncommon Xhosa names for your boy or girl

Below is a collection of uncommon Xhosa baby names to give your baby. It would be best to get a good name with good or positive meanings for your children because names affect a person's life.

Unique Xhosa names for boys

The Xhosa culture has some of the most meaningful and beautiful names. Below is a collection of unique boy names from this community.

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Scarce Xhosa names for boys starting with the letters A to L

Xhosa names often honor ancestors and reflect family lineage. If you are looking for options starting with the letters A to L for your little boy, check out the list below.

• Abongile: Thankfulness
• Alwande: Let love grow
• Amohetlang: Acceptance
• Aviwe: One who has been heard
• Ayabonga: Grateful
• Banele: Enough
• Bayanda: Destiny
• Bhutana: Little brother
• Bokang: Praise the Lord
• Bonginkosi: Thanking God
• Bulelani: Thankful
• Daluxolo: Believer in peace
• Dumisa: To praise or worship
• Fezekile: Complemented
• Fezile: The accomplished one
• Fundani: To learn
• Gcobani: Joyful
• Kamogelo: Received
• Karabo: Answer of the Lord
• Khanyiso: Light
• Khuselwa: Be protected
• Khwezi: A star
• Jongikhaya: One who will watch over the home
• Lebogang: Gratitude to God
• Lephelo: The end
• Lethokuhle: Bringer of good things
• Letlotlo: Precious Possession
• Lonwabo: Absolute joy
• Lubabalo: Grace
• Lubanzi: Deep love
• Luphumlo: To rest
• Luzuko: Glory
• Lwande: Ocean of love
• Lwazi: Wisdom

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Royal Xhosa names for boys starting with the letters M to Z

A good name can signify hope, strength, or particular circumstances surrounding a child's birth. Check out this selection of amazing boy names starting with the letters M to Z.

• Madoda: Men
• Mbulelo: Thankfulness
• Mahlubandile: The clan has increased
• Mandla: Strength
• Mangaliso: Miracle or Wonderful
• Melisizwe: A nation’s leader
• Meluzmi: One who represents the home
• Mkhokeli: A leader
• Mpilo: Life
• Mthandeni: Love him
• Mxolisi: Peacemaker
• Nkosi: Ruler, king, god, or lord
• Mpumelelo: Success or prosperity
• Nomlanga: The sun
• Ntando: The strong-willed one
• Nyaniso: Truthfulness
• Omphile: Gift of God
• Oomatla: God is great
• Oratile: God's love
• Phenyo: Victory
• Philasande: Live and be fruitful
• Phumza: Relief
• Qaqambile: Brightness
• Rolihlahla: Pulling a tree branch
• Sibabalwe: The blessed one
• Sifso: Wish
• Silindokuhle: We expect great things
• Silumko: Wise
• Thato: Will of God
• Themba: Hope and trust
• Uuka: Someone ready to rise up

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Xhosa surnames for boys starting with the letters G to Z

The Xhosa culture is rich in tradition and history, with surnames often carrying deep meanings and connections to ancestry. Here are some of the famous Xhosa surnames for boys.

• Gaba: To be blessed
• Gazi: A place of peace
• Gqiba: To complete or finish
• Gwashu: A person who is intelligent
• Hadebe: One who is strong or powerful
• Hlathi: A forest or grove
• Hlumelo: The one who brings joy
• Jola: A name that signifies unity
• Jwili: One who is grateful
• Khumalo: To bring luck or fortune
• Kani: A name representing a flower or beauty
• Komo: One who leads or guides
• Luzipho: Light or brightness
• Langa: The sun
• Luthuli: The one who is helpful
• Mbeki: A name denoting a person of wisdom
• Mntungwa: One who is like a tree or strong
• Ngcobo: A blessing or gift
• Nkosi: King or ruler
• Phakathi: The one in the center or middle
• Qaqambile: Brightness
• Rolihlahla: Pulling a tree branch
• Sibabalwe: The blessed one
• Sifso: Wish
• Thandeka: The one who is loved
• Thandisizwe: Love of the nation
• Umlilo: Fire
• Vusimuzi: The one who awakens the home
• Xolani: Be at peace
• Zukiswa: The one who brings happiness

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Beautiful Xhosa names for girls

Getting the perfect name for your little girl is not an easy task. Many parents are opting for unique names, especially in the modern age, where the Euro-Western trend of naming has taken over.

Unique names for girls starting with the letters A to L

Xhosa's name reflects not only the linguistic beauty of the Xhosa language but also its cultural values. Here is a list of unique and meaningful names for your little princess. They start with the letters A to L.

• Anathi: They are with us
• Andisiwe: Extension
• Athandwa: Loved
• Aphiwe: They are given
• Ayakha: To build
• Babalwa: Graced
• Bathandwa: Beloved
• Fezeka: Fulfilled
• Fundiswa: Smart, sensible, educated
• Funeka: Needed
• Gcobisa: Exciting
• Gugu: Our pride
• Gugulethu: Pride or treasure
• Hlengiwe: Redeemed, rescued, helped
• Khanyiswa: Lights up
• Khethiwe: The chosen one
• Kuhle: Wellness
• Lindelwa: The awaited one
• Lindiwe: The awaited one
• Liyabona: It sees
• Liyema: Stability in the family
• Lulama: The soft-spoken one

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Names starting with the letters M to Z

Many Xhosa names are chosen based on specific life events or emotions, giving them a personal significance that resonates with families. Check out these beautiful names starting with the letters M to Z.

• Mafungwashe: The first girl
• Mncedisi: A helper
• Mthobeli: The obedient one
• Ndiliswa: The respected one
• Nkosazana: Princess
• Nobomi: Life
• Nocawe: Born on Sunday
• Nonhle: The beautiful one
• Nontasasa: Born early in the morning
• Nomuula: The rain
• Nontle: Beautiful
• Nosizwe: A nation
• Notumato: Beautiful at birth
• Noxolo: Peace
• Olwethu: Your own or ours
• Owam: My own
• Qaqamba: One who shines bright
• Sansile: We increased
• Sibahle: We are beautiful
• Simile: We are standing
• Simpho: Gift
• Sindiswa: We have it
• Sisipho: Gift
• Sivuyile: We are happy
• Thandiwe: The loving one
• Thimna: Belongs to me
• Thembeka: Trustworthy
• Thozoma: Calmness
• Vuyokazi: Happiness
• Zimkhitha: One who has dignity
• Zintle: The beautiful one

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Unisex Xhosa names

Xhosa names encapsulate a blend of beauty, meaning, and cultural pride. If you are looking for a name that is gender-neutral, here are some options to add to your list of considerations.

• Akhona: Present
• Anele: Enough
• Ayanda: They are increasing
• Bandile: They have increased
• Bongani: Be thankful
• Buhle: Handsome or beautiful
• Dineo: Gifts
• Esihle: Good or beautiful
• Hlengiwe: The one who is redeemed
• Kabelo: Given
• Luthando: It is love
• Lwandle: The ocean
• Mandla: Strength
• Nandi: Sweet or pleasant
• Nkosinathi: God is with us
• Phumzile: Rested
• Sihle: Beautiful
• Thandeka: The one who is loved
• Thando: To love
• Thembalethu: Our hope
• Tshiamo: The truth
• Unathi: She or he is with us
• Vusimuzi: The one who awakens the home
• Vusumzi: To rebuild the home
• Vuyiseka: Made to be happy
• Wandisiwe: The home has been increased
• Wonga: Status
• Xabiso: Value
• Yonela: To be content
• Zola: Peaceful

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Which are some Xhosa names from the Bible?

There are multiple names that are inspired by the Bible. These include Bonginkosi, Lebogang, Omphile, Oomatla, and Oratile.

What is the name for beauty in Xhosa?

Esihle, Buhle, Sibahle, Nonhle, Nontle, and Notumato are among the names that mean beauty or beautiful.

What name means praise in Xhosa?

Bokang and Dumisa are the names that mean praise in the Xhosa language.

What is the best Xhosa name for a girl?

One of the best Xhosa names for a girl is Amahle, meaning "the beautiful one." It reflects grace and elegance. Another lovely option is Liyema, meaning stability in the family.

What is the name of a famous Xhosa?

A famous Xhosa is Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first president and an iconic anti-apartheid leader. He is renowned for his efforts in promoting peace, justice, and equality.

How are Xhosa children named?

Xhosa children are often named based on significant events, circumstances, or emotions surrounding their birth. Names may reflect the family's hopes, cultural values, or a child's role in the family. Ancestors and elders are also involved in choosing names, giving them deep meaning and spiritual significance.

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Is Xolani a Xhosa name?

Yes, Xolani is a Xhosa name. It means "peace" or "be at peace." It's commonly given to boys and reflects a desire for harmony and tranquillity in life.

There are numerous Xhosa names to choose from. If you are looking for unique options, check out the list above. Each name not only reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the Xhosa people but also carries unique meanings that convey hopes, values, and attributes cherished within the community.

Briefly.co.za recently published a list of traditional Sepedi names for boys and girls and their meanings. The Sepedi language is a Bantu language spoken by the natives of Botswana, Lesotho, and Southern Africa.

Sepedi baby names offer and represent the ideas of the Sotho elders and have a rich cultural and traditional background. The Pedi people take the custom of baby names seriously since they believe that names affect a person's personality.

Source: Briefly News